What Jesus Did! 'Giving In When You Don't Have To' — John 14:29-31

Saturday, October 1, 2022

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[Jesus continued,] "I have told you these things [about my going to the Father] before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.

"I don't have much more time to talk to you, because the ruler of this world approaches. He has no power over me, but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let's be going."

— John 14:29-31 NLT

Key Thought

The principle here is tough. Jesus gives in to an enemy and then faces personal anguish, agony, and humiliation because he chooses to. Why does he do it? Why would he let Satan, who has no real power over him, do such horrifying things to him? Two reasons:

  • He is honoring the will of the Father and showing his love for the Father.
  • He is doing it for us, as an offering for our sin — the reason the Father sent him to earth in the first place.

Jesus' example here is a tough one to follow — giving in when we don't have to do it. Why would we do it? For two reasons:

  • To live obediently to God.
  • To spare others the heartache of sin they may commit if we don't submit.

Today's Prayer

Father, I admit that Jesus' example is often hard for me to follow. When I am wronged or falsely accused, I don't want to give in. Sometimes, I don't even want to forgive but want to vindicate myself. Please give me spiritual discernment to know the difference between being a doormat that lets others needlessly walk over me and being redemptive. As I try to honor you by being a person of character, please help me know when to give in on matters so that others are spared the heartache of unnecessary conflict. Thank you, my Lord and Christ, for being willing to suffer abuse and injustice so that my sins could be forgiven. In your name, I ask for this wisdom and strength, and I offer my praise for heaven's grace. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 5:43-48
  • 1 Peter 2:19-24
  • 1 Corinthians 6:1-8

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Illustration

Illustration of John 14:29-31 NLT — "I have told you these things [about my going to the Father] before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe. "

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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